25 Jan 1937 - 15 May 2020

The Old Girls’ Association is sad to announce the death of Ann Chater, aged 83.

Ann’s parents, local dairy farmers, were very keen to broaden Ann’s development and were persuaded to send Ann to St Swithun’s by their good friend and neighbour whose daughter was already a pupil there.

Ann enjoyed her time at St Swithun’s where she represented the school at lacrosse and was also proud of her cricketing exploits - she would often talk about the hand hardening exercises with a cricket ball that she undertook in the early mornings. She finished her time there as head girl.

Ann went on to graduate from Roehampton Institute of Higher Education and then taught at Stamford High School for Girls, a role which she did until her marriage to Chris in 1963. Family life then took over with sons Timothy and Paul arriving, and Ann also spent much time caring for her parents.

Family was very much Ann’s life with her love and support in abundance. She often said: “I just want you all to be happy.” She was very proud of her five grandchildren and was a real support to them in teaching them basic skills.

One of Ann’s major achievements was the successful renovation of their house to make it a happy family home for 30 years.

Ann was a regular church goer and practical practising Christian, after a sound religious grounding at St Swithun’s.

Latterly, Ann taught Adult Literacy Skills to those who didn’t have English as a first language - she taught much as she lived with enthusiasm, endeavour and a smile on her face. 

Ann was delighted to be asked to be Captain of the local golf club, of which she was a member for nearly 50 years. She was both competitive and friendly in this and any other sport that she played.

Anne spoke proudly of her days at St Swithun’s and although they lived a long distance away, they visited on occasions over the years, and had recently attended an evensong service at Winchester Cathedral.